What is the ruling on the iddah of a wife whose husband disappeared in the late 1990s, and whose death certificate was issued 14 years later, while she still holds out hope for his return?

According to the Shafi'i and Hanafi schools of thought, the wife of a missing person must await her husband until his death or divorce is proven. As for the Hanbali school, the wife of a missing person whose disappearance is likely to have resulted in death must wait four years, after which she observes the 'iddah (waiting period) following the ruling of his death. Some scholars have opined that she has the choice between waiting or referring her case to the judiciary. If the death certificate is based on the testimony of just witnesses or a judge's ruling, her 'iddah begins from the date of death, and she becomes lawful for marriage after its completion. However, if it is merely a legal procedure, the matter should be referred to the Sharia court.